Davidson County Judge Halts Move Of Confederate Memorial

The dispute over Lexington's Confederate monument is headed to court after the city's attempt to move it came to a last-minute halt.

The ongoing fight over the statue has caused a rift between city leaders — who want the monument moved from the town's square — and Davidson County commissioners, who want it to stay where it is.

A superior court judge issued a temporary restraining order that blocked the city's plans to move the statue last week. 

City leaders have called the monument divisive and a reminder of racial injustice.

“Davidson County is on the wrong side of history,” city leaders said in a public statement released Friday.

Protesters on both sides of the issue have frequently gathered in the uptown square over the last several months. That's led to an increased police presence and occasional confrontations.

A hearing over the matter is scheduled to be heard in a Davidson County courtroom on Thursday.